Big Five Personality traits as determinants of pro-social behaviour

Pages: 200-203
Trishala M. (MES Degree College, Gama, Goa)

Humans are social animals, said Aristotle; it can also be described that humans are pro social beings. In our society helping others who are in need is positively and socially valued. In order to live peacefully, to develop and sustain good relationship, it is essential to sort the differences which arise and to help other people, who will in turn help them when in need, which is termed as Pro-social behaviour. Aperson who possesses a particular set of traits behave in a specific manner in the society. Individuals in order to engage in this act has a combined influence of heredity, social rewards, socialization, situational factors, moral reasons, personality traits etc. Personality refers to various cognitive and behavioural factors which are relatively enduring and influences an individual’s interactions with the physical and social environments. With an immense research conducted in the field of personality led to the development of various theories and Big Five Factor model is one such theory which is widely accepted. In this research paper, an attempt is done to understand the type of personality traits which is susceptible in engaging towards pro social behaviour. A theoretical review is made in this paper about the relationship between pro social behaviour and the big five factor model of personality.